Functional Mapping of Quantitative Trait Loci (QTLs) Associated With Plant Performance in a Wheat MAGIC Mapping Population.

Anyela V Camargo,Fiona Corke,Kevin Williams,Ian Mackay,Alison R Bentley,John H Doonan,Jiwan Han,Richard Mott,Karen Askew

doi:10.3389/fpls.2018.00887

Abstract

In crop genetic studies, the mapping of longitudinal data describing the spatio-temporal nature of agronomic traits can elucidate the factors influencing their formation and development. Here, we combine the mapping power and precision of a MAGIC wheat population with robust computational methods to track the spatio- temporal dynamics of traits associated with wheat performance. NIAB MAGIC lines were phenotyped throughout their lifecycle under smart house conditions. Growth models were fitted to the data describing growth trajectories of plant area, height, water use and senescence and fitted parameters were mapped as quantitative traits. Trait data from single time points were also mapped to determine when and how markers became and ceased to be significant. Assessment of temporal dynamics allowed the identification of marker-trait associations and tracking of trait development against the genetic contribution of key markers. We establish a data-driven approach for understanding complex agronomic traits and accelerate research in plant breeding.

Highlights

In crop genetics, the formation of dynamic biological traits such as height, size and color are usually governed by multiple temporal and spatial factors
The formation of dynamic biological traits such as height, size and color are usually governed by multiple temporal and spatial factors. Their genetic variation can be attributed to the collective response of multiple small effects associated to those dynamic traits (Anderegg, 2015)
When a trait is measured over many developmental stages, e.g., plant area, it reveals the dynamic expression of the underlying genes associated with the trait (Wu et al, 2011)

Summary

Introduction

The formation of dynamic biological traits such as height, size and color are usually governed by multiple temporal and spatial factors Their genetic variation can be attributed to the collective response of multiple small effects associated to those dynamic traits (Anderegg, 2015). Some genes may control trait development at a given plant developmental stage, others may alter, or control rates of change, transitions between consecutive stages (Yang and Xu, 2007). These changes can be due to different genes that turn on or off at various times. These might reveal critical aspects of vulnerability and response to biotic and abiotic stresses, and thereby predict the effects of climate change on these traits (Soudzilovskaia et al, 2013)

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion